House of Reps Probes Mismanagement of Niger Delta Oil Spill Clean-Up Funds

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for oil spill clean-up projects in the Niger Delta region.

The inquiry follows public outcry over the continued environmental degradation and economic hardship faced by oil-producing communities despite billions of naira reportedly spent on remediation efforts.

Speaking during the inauguration of an ad hoc committee to oversee the probe, Committee Chairman Hon. Okpolupm Etteh said the investigation underscores the House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental justice.

Etteh described the initiative as a “national responsibility,” aimed at uncovering why extensive funding has failed to bring meaningful improvement to the region.
“The Niger Delta has endured years of pollution and hardship from oil exploration and spills. Despite several government interventions, reports of mismanagement and inefficiency persist, leaving communities in despair,” he said.

According to Etteh, the committee’s mandate includes evaluating how the clean-up funds were utilized, assessing the performance of relevant agencies, and recommending reforms to ensure effective environmental restoration. He added that field inspections would be conducted to verify the status of clean-up projects across affected areas.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo urged the committee to examine the competence of those managing the clean-up funds and ensure accountability in their operations.
“This probe must determine why the funds have not achieved their purpose and whether due diligence and accountability were maintained,” the Speaker said.

He expressed confidence that the committee’s findings and recommendations would pave the way for lasting solutions and genuine environmental recovery in the Niger Delta.